Michel Majerus at Matthew Marks Gallery

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Before his untimely death in 2002 at age 35, Berlin-based artist Michel Majerus was hailed as a quintessential information age artist, mixing images and info from unrelated sources to suggest a stew of influences more than a coherent statement. Here, Andy Warhol’s discount Raphael abuts an ecstatic youth from an ad, suggesting two takes on transcendent experiences. (At Matthew Marks Gallery‘s 522 West 22nd Street location).

Michel Majerus, o.T. (69), acrylic on cotton, two panels, each: 119 ¼ x 93 ¼ inches, 1994.

Sheila Hicks at Sikkema Jenkins & Co

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Sheila Hicks’ brightly colored, sculptural waterfall of cords now on view at the Whitney Biennial may have more dramatic impact, but this installation at Sikkema Jenkins of 98 balls shaped by wrapping string around fabric – all found materials – has a quiet but no less enchanting appeal. (At Chelsea’s Sikkema Jenkins through April 5th).

Sheila Hicks, Lares and Penates, found materials, 98 elements, 117 x 115 x 5 inches, 1990 – 2013.

Joanne Greenbaum at Rachel Uffner Gallery

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This new, candy-bright abstract by Joanne Greenbaum suggests maps, calligraphic squiggles, spirographs and more; it’s a standout in a lively show of Greenbaum’s new abstractions. (At Rachel Uffner Gallery on the Lower East Side through April 20th).

Joanne Greenbaum, Untitled, oil, acrylic and ink on canvas, 90 x 80 inches, 2014.

Elaine Cameron Weir at Ramiken Crucible

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New York artist Elaine Cameron Weir’s latest show ‘Venus Anadyomene’ at the Lower East Side gallery Ramiken Crucible offers an irresistible take on the ancient Greek tale of Venus rising from the sea. Real clamshells with customized neon bring to mind beach-side dive bars while incense rising over a flame adds a spiritual element. (Through April 6th).

Elaine Cameron Weir, installation view of ‘venus anadyomene’ at Ramiken Crucible, March 2014.

Kelly Walker at Paula Cooper Gallery

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Using Volkswagen Beetle ads from the ‘50s to ‘70s and the 3D modeling program Rhino, New York-based conceptual artist Kelly Walker brings flat images of a real life object into the 3D world in literal sculptural shapes like this one in the foreground, which whimsically recalls a different mode of transportation – the paper airplane. (At Paula Cooper Gallery’s 521 West 21st Street space through March 29th).

Kelly Walker, Bug_156S, four-color process silkscreen on aluminum, 2013-14 (foreground).